Myth: Only crazy people go to psychotherapy.

Reality: Untrue. People seek psychotherapy for a range of reasons in everyday life. Some pursue psychotherapy for treatment of depression, anxiety or substance abuse. But others want help coping with major life transitions or changing problem behaviors: the loss of job, a divorce or the death of a loved one. Yet others need help managing and balancing the demands of parenting, work and family responsibilities, coping with medical illness, improving relationship skills or managing other stressors that can affect just about all of us. Anyone can benefit from psychotherapy to become a better problem solver.

Myth: Talking to family members. Pastor’s or friends is just as effective as going to a therapist.

Reality: Support from family and friends you can trust is important when you're having a hard time. But a therapist can offer much more than talking to family and friends. Therapists have years of specialized education, training and experience that make them experts in understanding and treating complex problems. The techniques a therapist uses during psychotherapy are developed over decades of research and more than “just talking and listening.”

Myth: Psychotherapist just listen to you vent, so why pay someone to listen to you complain?

Reality: A therapist will often begin the process of psychotherapy by asking you to describe the problem that has brought you into his or her office. But that's just psychotherapy's starting point. They will also gather relevant information on your background, as well as the history of your problems and other major areas of your life, and the ways you have tried to address the concerns. Psychotherapy is typically an interactive, collaborative process based on dialogue and the patient's active engagement in joint problem-solving.

Myth: You can get better on your own if you just try hard enough and keep a positive attitude.

Reality: Many people have tried to solve their problems on their own for weeks, months or even years before starting psychotherapy but have found that that it’s not enough. Deciding to start psychotherapy doesn't mean you’ve failed, just like it doesn't mean you’ve failed if you can't repair your own car. There may be a biological component to some disorders, such as depression or panic attacks, which make it incredibly difficult to heal yourself. Having the courage to reach out and admit you need help is a sign of strength rather than weakness — and the first step toward feeling better.

Stigma connected to getting help for psychological or behavioral concerns used to be a strong deterrent for people. But getting help is now seen as a sign of resourcefulness. 

Wishing you the best on your mental wellness journey.


Sincerely,
Angela L. Mull, LMFT

www.angelamulltherapy.com

 

 
About the Author
Angela L. Mull

"Life does not come with an instruction manual.  Sometimes we just need a safe space where we can share and be heard until we’re able to assemble our thoughts and put the pieces together.” ~Angela L. Mull

Bio: Angela Mull is a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist (LMFT) with a private practice located in Los Angeles, California and a virtual practice base in Texas.

Angela earned her Master of Arts degree in Counseling and Psychology from Argosy University Los Angeles. At Argosy Angela developed a special interest in Trauma.

 Angela is passionate about helping individuals and families end Intergenerational cycles of trauma including her own.

Angela wanted to offer more than just traditional “talk therapy” to her clients so she received special training and certification in trauma treatment modalities, such as Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Meditation and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT).

One of Angela’s favorite quotes is from Audre Lorde.

  "...and that visibility which makes us most vulnerable is that which also is the source of our greatest strength." _Audre Lorde

Therapy can be a very vulnerable journey, but the end will lead one to their inner strength and superpowers.

Angela is a member and mentor for California Association Marriage and Family Therapist (CAMFT), EMDR International Association (EMDRIA), and Los Angeles Department of Mental Health Faith Based Advocacy Council (LADMH).

In addition to her private practice setting, Angela has taken her therapeutic skills outside the walls facilitating groups for high school students, incarcerated populations and collaboration with non-profit organizations.

Angela has used her voice on radio and social media platforms such as:

"Living On Assignment" (Accelerated Radio) Topic: Transgenerational Child Sexual Abuse. Host: Dr. Najuma Smith

"Vibe of the Tribe" Topic: Domestic Violence Host: Tanisha Miles, RN

 "Jeneration J Live" Instagram talk show 3-part series Topic: Teen/Young adults and dating.  Host: Jenesse Center

"Grace and Space" RVN & YouTube Dr. Donna Hunter, Host; Surviving and Thriving during the Pandemic

"Talk to Me" Instagram live weekly show, hosts Minister Tasha Morrison and Rev. Sharon Gray Topic:  Holiday Blues

" Free Your Mind Friday!" Zoom sessions with Dr. Najuma Smith Topics: All things Mental Well-being.

"Managing Grief-Holiday Blues” 6week Zoom support group: Word of Encouragement Community Church, Reverend Dr. Najuma Smith, Facilitator Angela L. Mull, LMFT

In 2019 Angela was a featured contributing author in the book "Keep Calm, Bring Your Carry On!" The Ultimate Selfcare Guide for Travelers of Color. Exploring the benefits of travel from a therapeutic perspective.

When she is not working Angela loves spending time with her children, grandchildren and friends enjoying all things outdoors, hiking, bicycling, roller-skating, and going to beaches. She also enjoys live music, traveling, reading, and writing.